Pilot lights should flame more easily

Q: I live down south and don’t have to use my gas room-heater much. To save money, I turn off the pilot light in the warm months. But it’s really difficult to relight the pilot. Any suggestions on making it easier? Should I clean the pilot light components? — Larry T., Tallahassee, Fla.

A: The components that make a pilot light function are efficient and need very little maintenance, but they should be checked before every heating season. Turn off the gas supply to the unit and (after the pilot light has cooled) inspect the jet and thermocouple. To get a closer look you can unscrew the bracket that holds the components in place, being careful not to bend or damage the pilot gas line or the thermocouple line, and disconnect the pilot jet and thermocouple from the lines.

If the pilot jet looks dirty, clean it with a special pilot jet brush, being careful not to scratch the inside of the jet. Don’t try to widen the jet’s opening, either. A badly corroded pilot jet should be replaced.

Reattach the components to the supply line and bracket, and then reattach the bracket to the furnace.

Now, you say the pilot is difficult to light. More recent pilots can be lighted with the push of a button, but much older ones still need another flame to light them. I have an area heater dating from the 1950s in one room, and this is how I make it easier to light each winter. I heat up the thermocouple before attempting to light the pilot. Hold a lighted match or long-ended lighter to the thermocouple (the long metal stick next to the pilot jet) for about 20-30 seconds. Then, light the pilot as usual.

Home Tip: A healthy pilot light should have a steady flame with a yellow tip, and should cover the top of the thermocouple next to it.